ALCOHOL WIPE RESTRAINT

Abstract

Alcohol wipe package restraints and related systems and methods for sterilizing alcohol wipe packages are disclosed herein. A sterilized alcohol wipe package system may include an alcohol wipe package restraint and one or more alcohol wipe packages. The alcohol wipe package restraint includes a base defining an opening extending therethrough and an arm secured to the base and extending over the opening. The one or more alcohol wipe packages are removably secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint such that the arm restrains a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages when the one or more alcohol wipe packages are sterilized under a negative pressure.

Claims

1. A sterilized alcohol wipe package system, comprising: an alcohol wipe package restraint that is generally rigid and comprises a first end region, a second end region opposite to the first end region, and two panels opposite one another and extending at least partially between the first end region and the second end region, the two panels at least partially defining an opening at the first end region of the alcohol wipe package restraint and an interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint extending from the opening at the first end region towards the second end region; one or more alcohol wipe packages including one or more alcohol wipes sealed therein, the one or more alcohol wipe packages being removably positioned at least partially within the interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint such that at least 50% of each alcohol wipe package of the one or more alcohol wipe packages is positioned within the interior region of the one or more alcohol wipe packages.

2. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein the one or more alcohol wipe packages comprise a polyester film material.

3. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein the alcohol wipe package restraint is integrally formed.

4. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein the interior region is closed at the second end region of the alcohol wipe package restraint.

5. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein the opening has a height of about 3 mm to about 10 mm and a width of about 4 mm to about 7 mm.

6. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein the alcohol wipe package restraint has a length of about 3 mm to about 6 mm and a width of about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

7. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein the alcohol wipe package restraint includes two sidewalls opposing one another, extending between the two panels, and extending at least partially between the first end region and the second end region.

8. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 7, further comprising a tab extending outward away from the opening at the first end region of each sidewall of the two sidewalls.

9. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein the alcohol wipe package restraint includes an end wall at the second end region that closes the interior region and the second end region.

10. The sterilized alcohol wipe package system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two panels includes a recess that extends from the first end region at least partially towards the second end region.

11. A method of sterilizing one or more alcohol wipe packages, the method comprising: providing an alcohol wipe package restraint; securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint, the one or more alcohol wipe packages including one or more alcohol wipes sealed therein; positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in a sterilizing apparatus; and sterilizing the one or more alcohol wipe packages while secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in the sterilizing apparatus at a predetermined negative pressure and a predetermined temperature, the alcohol wipe package restraint at least partially inhibiting the one or more alcohol wipe packages from expanding during sterilization.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: providing an alcohol wipe package restraint comprises: providing an alcohol wipe package restraint comprising a base defining an opening and an arm extending across the opening; securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint comprises: securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint with the one or more alcohol wipe packages restrained under the arm and extending at least partially across the opening; and sterilizing the one or more alcohol wipe packages while secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in the sterilizing apparatus comprises: sterilizing the one or more alcohol wipe packages while secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in the sterilizing apparatus at a predetermined negative pressure and a predetermined temperature with the arm of the alcohol wipe package restraint at least partially inhibiting the one or more alcohol wipe packages from expanding during sterilization.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein: providing an alcohol wipe package restraint comprises providing a sealable pouch; and securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint includes securing the one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint by positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages in the pouch and sealing the pouch.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein: providing an alcohol wipe package restraint includes providing an alcohol wipe package restraint that is generally rigid and comprises a first end region, a second end region opposite to the first end region, and two panels opposite one another and extending at least partially between the first end region and the second end region, the two panels at least partially defining an opening at the first end region of the alcohol wipe package restraint and an interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint extending from the opening at the first end region towards the second end region; and securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint includes positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages within the interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint such that at least 50% of each alcohol wipe package of the one or more alcohol wipe packages is positioned within the interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the interior region is closed at the second end region of the alcohol wipe package restraint.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the opening has a height of about 3 mm to about 10 mm and a width of about 4 mm to about 7 mm.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the alcohol wipe package restraint has a length of about 3 mm to about 6 mm and a width of about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the alcohol wipe package restraint includes two sidewalls opposing one another, extending between the two panels, and extending at least partially between the first end region and the second end region.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more alcohol wipe packages comprise a polyester film material and.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the alcohol wipe package restraint is integrally formed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:

[0004] FIG. 1A illustrates a top, front perspective view of an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 1B illustrates a top, rear perspective view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0006] FIG. 1C illustrates a front elevational view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0007] FIG. 1D illustrates a rear elevational view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0008] FIG. 1E illustrates a left side elevational view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0009] FIG. 1F illustrates a right side elevational view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0010] FIG. 1G illustrates a top plan view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0011] FIG. 1H illustrates a bottom plan view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A and a plurality of alcohol wipe packages.

[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates the plurality of alcohol wipe packages of FIG. 2A restrained by the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0014] FIG. 2C illustrates multiple alcohol wipe package restraints, each restraining a plurality of alcohol wipe packages during sterilization.

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of sterilizing a plurality of alcohol wipe packages, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6A illustrates a top, front perspective view of an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom, rear perspective view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 6A.

[0021] FIG. 6C illustrates a front elevational view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 6A.

[0022] FIG. 6D illustrates a rear elevation view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 6A.

[0023] FIG. 6E illustrates a left side elevational view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 6A.

[0024] FIG. 6F illustrates a right side elevational view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 6A.

[0025] FIG. 6G illustrates a top plan view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 1A.

[0026] FIG. 6H illustrates a bottom plan view of the alcohol wipe package restraint of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Alcohol wipe packages having an alcohol wipe are often included in medical device kits, such as drainage kits and dressing kits. The alcohol wipe packages including the alcohol wipes therein are supplied with these and other medical device kits to keep instruments, such as catheters, clean and sterile before and after drainage. The alcohol wipes, however, are sometimes dried out when removed from the alcohol wipe packages for use. This drying of the alcohol wipe may result from the alcohol wipe package being susceptible to permeation over time and/or a seal breaking on the alcohol wipe package. For example, the alcohol wipe packages may be sterilized under a predetermined temperature and a predetermined negative pressure (e.g., ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization). The negative pressure (e.g., vacuum) of the sterilization results in expansion (e.g., distention) of the alcohol wipe packages, which sometimes results in the seal on the alcohol wipe package being broken.

[0028] Systems, methods, and kits described herein include an alcohol wipe package restraint and an alcohol wipe package comprising a polyester film material. The alcohol wipe package may include a polyester film material that is not susceptible to permeation over time. The alcohol wipe package restraint is configured to at least partially inhibit expansion of the alcohol wipe package during sterilization, such as during a negative pressure applied to the alcohol wipe packages during sterilization. Without the alcohol wipe package restraint, the alcohol wipe packages inflate during sterilization, resulting in a large displacement in the center and high stresses along the seal of the alcohol wipe package. The alcohol wipe package restraints disclosed herein are configured to reduce stress on the seal of the alcohol wipe package during sterilization. Accordingly, the alcohol wipe package restraints disclosed herein prevent compromising of the seal on the alcohol wipe package and result in a more alcohol wipes being effective for use when applied by a user.

[0029] Alcohol wipe package restraints of this disclosure may be included with a variety of medical kits that include alcohol wipe packages. For example, a dressing kit may include alcohol wipe packages including alcohol wipes therein, an alcohol wipe package restraint holding the alcohol wipe packages, adhesive dressing, gauze pads, gloves, tape strips, and/or a sterilization wrap. A drainage bag kit may include alcohol wipe packages including alcohol wipes therein, an alcohol wipe package restraint holding the alcohol wipe packages, a drainage bag, a slide clamp, tape strips, and/or a valve cap. A drainage bottle kit may include alcohol wipe packages including alcohol wipes therein, an alcohol wipe package restraint holding the alcohol wipe packages, a drainage bottle, a slide clamp, tape strips, a valve cap, adhesive dressing, gauze pads, gloves, and sterilization wrap.

[0030] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0031] The phrases communication with, engaged with, connected to, and coupled to are used in their ordinary sense, and are broad enough to refer to any suitable coupling or other form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may interact with each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component. The directional terms proximal and distal are used herein to refer to opposite locations on a component or device. The proximal end of a component or device is defined as the end of the device closest to the practitioner when the device is in normal use by the practitioner. The distal end is the end opposite the proximal end, along the longitudinal direction of the device, or the end farthest from the practitioner during normal use.

[0032] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate various views of an alcohol wipe package restraint 100, according to an embodiment. The alcohol wipe package restraint 100 may include a base 110 and an arm 120. The alcohol wipe package restraint 100 may include a generally rigid material, such as plastic or metal. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 may include a single, integrally formed alcohol wipe package restraint 100 having a uniform material throughout the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. The alcohol wipe package restraint 100 may be molded or printed three-dimensionally.

[0033] The base 110 may include a first end region 111, a second end region 113 opposite to the first end region 111, and two opposing side regions 115 extending between the first end region 111 and the second end region 113. In some embodiments, the base 110 includes a generally square or rectangular profile. For example, the base 110 may be elongated such that the two opposing side regions 115 include a length dimension greater than a width dimension of the first end region 111 and the second end region 113. In some embodiments, the base 110 may include other shaped profiles, such as generally circular, oval, or polygonal.

[0034] The base 110 also includes an upper surface 112. In some embodiments, the upper surface is generally planar. At least some (e.g., all) of the first end region 111, the second end region 113, and the two opposing side regions 115 may include the upper surface 112. In some embodiments, the base 110 includes a lower perimeter 117 opposite to and spaced from the upper surface 112. The distance between the upper surface 112 and the lower perimeter 117 of the base 110 may be sufficient to position a portion of one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or more) alcohol wipe packages 200 (shown in FIG. 2A) therebetween for restraint by the arm 120. In some embodiments, the distance between the upper surface 112 and the lower perimeter 117 of the base 110 may be about 4 mm to about 10 mm, about 4 mm to about 7 mm, about 5 mm to about 8 mm, about 6 mm to about 9 mm, about 7 mm to about 10 mm, about 4 mm to about 6 mm, about 5 mm to about 7 mm, about 6 mm to about 8 mm, about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the base 110 includes an upper portion 114 including the upper surface 112 and a lower portion 116 including the lower perimeter 117. The upper portion 114 may include an outer periphery of the base 110 and the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. The lower portion 116 may include one or more walls extending from the upper portion 114 to the lower perimeter 117 of the base 110. In some embodiments, the one or more walls of the lower portion 116 are spaced inward from the outer periphery of the upper portion 114 such that the upper portion 114 forms a lip extending outward from the one or more walls of the lower portion 116. The lower portion 116 may include one or more walls forming a shape generally complementary to the shape of the base 110 and/or the outer periphery of the upper portion 114, such as a generally square or rectangular shape.

[0036] The base 110 also defines an opening 130 disposed between first end region 111, the second end region 113, and the two opposing side regions 115. In some embodiments, the opening 130 is defined at least partially by the upper surface 112. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1H, the opening 130 may include a through hole extending entirely through the base 110. In alternative embodiments, the opening 130 may extend from the upper surface 112 partially into the base 110 towards the lower perimeter 117. For example, the base 110 may include a recess extending into the base 110 from the upper surface 112 towards the lower perimeter 117 of the base 110.

[0037] The arm 120 is secured to at least the first end region 111 and extends over the opening 130 from the first end region 111 to the second end region 113 between the two opposing side regions 115. In the alcohol wipe package restraint 100, the arm 120 is fixedly secured to both the first end region 111 and the second end region 113. The arm 120 may be generally perpendicular to the first end region 111 and the second end region 113, and may be generally parallel to the two opposing side regions 115.

[0038] The arm 120 is positioned on the base 110 to restrain a portion of one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 extending across the opening 130 (shown in FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, the arm 120 is positioned on the upper surface 112 of the base 110. For example, the arm 120 may include a lower perimeter 121 positioned substantially on a plane of the upper surface 112 of the base 110. In some embodiments, the arm 120 includes an upper surface 123 and one or more sidewalls 126 extending from the upper surface 123 of the arm 120 to the upper surface 112 of the base 110. The one or more walls sidewalls 126 of the arm 120 may form the lower perimeter 121 of the arm 120, which lower perimeter 121 of the arm 120 is generally aligned with or on the same plane as the upper surface 112 of the base 110. When the arm 120 restrains the portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 extending across the opening 130 (shown in FIG. 2B), the portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 are positioned in the opening 130 between the lower perimeter 121 of the arm 120 and the lower perimeter 117 of the base 110. In some embodiments, the arm 120 includes a channel 122 on the underside of the arm 120.

[0039] The arm 120 is positioned over the opening 130 to divide the opening 130 into two portions 130a, 130b. Said another way, the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 may include two openings 130a, 130b, with the arm 120 positioned between the two openings 130a, 130b, or each opening of the two openings 130a, 130b positioned between a side region 115 and the arm 120. The two portions 130a, 130b of the opening 130 are positioned to allow the arm 120 to restrain some (e.g., a central portion) of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200, while other portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 extend through the two portions of the opening 130.

[0040] As provided throughout this disclosure, the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 is configured for use with one or more alcohol wipe packages 200. Accordingly, the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 may include dimensions to specifically accommodate one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 during sterilization. Turning specifically to FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, the arm 120 includes a width WA that covers about 40% to about 80%, about 40% to about 60%, about 50% to about 70%, about 60% to about 80%, about 40% to about 50%, about 45% to about 55%, about 50% to about 60%, about 55% to about 65%, about 60% to about 70%, about 65% to about 75%, about 70% to about 80% of a width W.sub.O of the opening 130 between the two opposing side regions 115 of the base 110.

[0041] In some embodiments, the opening 130 includes a width W.sub.O of about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 2.5 cm, about 2.25 cm to about 2.75 cm, about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm, about 2.75 cm to about 3.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 2.25 cm, about 2.25 cm to about 2.5 cm, about 2.5 cm to about 2.75 cm, about 2.75 cm to about 3 cm, about 3 cm to about 3.25 cm, or about 3.25 cm to about 3.5 cm between the two opposing side regions 115 of the base 110. In some embodiments, the opening 130 includes a length L.sub.O of about 4 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 4.5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 5 cm to about 5.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm between the first end region 111 and the second end region 113 of the base 110.

[0042] In some embodiments, the base 110 includes a length LB of about 5.5 cm to about 7.5 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 6.5 cm, about 6 cm to about 7 cm, about 6.50 cm to about 7.5 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm, about 6 cm to about 6.5 cm, about 6.5 cm to about 7 cm, or about 7 cm to about 7.5 cm. In some embodiments, the base 110 includes a width W.sub.B of about 3 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 4.5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 5 cm to about 5.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm.

[0043] In some embodiments, the arm 120 includes a width WA of about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, about 0.8 cm to about 2.8 cm, about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 0.5 cm to about 1 cm, about 0.75 cm to about 1.25 cm, about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm, about 1.5 cm to about 2 cm, about 2 cm to about 2.5 cm, or about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm.

[0044] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 2A illustrates the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 of FIG. 1A and a plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 before the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 have been secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. Each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 includes an alcohol wipe (not visible) therein.

[0045] Each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 may include a polyester film, such as biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., Mylar) film. The polyester film of the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 prevents the alcohol wipe housed therein from drying out, so long as the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 remain sealed. When sealed, the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 are air tight. The plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 may be sealed on one or more (e.g., all) edges with any of a number of different seals, such as heat seals, adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0046] As noted above, the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 is configured for use with one or more alcohol wipe packages 200. Accordingly, the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 are sized to specifically correspond to the dimensions of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 to allow the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 to effectively restrain one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 during sterilization. For example, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 may include a length L.sub.P and/or a width W.sub.P that is less than the length L.sub.O of the opening 130. In some embodiments, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 may include a length L.sub.P that is about 50% to about 98%, about 75% to about 98%, or about 85% to about 98% of the length L.sub.O of the opening 130. In some embodiments, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 includes a length L.sub.P of about 4 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 4.5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 5 cm to about 5.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm. In some embodiments, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 includes a width W.sub.P of about 4 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 6 cm, about 5 cm to about 7 cm about 4 cm to about 5 cm, 5 cm to about 6 cm, or about 6 cm to about 7 cm. The plurality of alcohol wipe packages are each relatively thin, and may have a thickness of less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.75 mm, or less than about 0.5 mm.

[0047] FIG. 2B illustrates the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 of FIG. 2A restrained by the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 of FIG. 1A. In FIG. 2B, the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 includes three packages. Any single alcohol wipe package restraint 100 of this disclosure, however, may be configured to restrain a range of alcohol wipe packages 200, such as 1 alcohol wipe package 200 to 10 alcohol wipe packages 200, 1 alcohol wipe package 200 to 5 alcohol wipe packages 200, or 1 alcohol wipe package 200 to 3 alcohol wipe packages 200.

[0048] One or more alcohol wipe packages 200 may be secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 by sliding a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 through a first portion 130a of the opening 130, under the arm 120, and then out through a second portion 130b of the opening 130 on the other side of the arm 120 relative to the first portion of the opening 130. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, this securement of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 to the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 results in a portion (e.g., a central portion) of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 being positioned under the arm 120. More particularly, a portion (e.g., a central portion) of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 may be positioned in the opening 130 under the arm 120 between the lower perimeter 121 of the arm 120 and the lower perimeter 117 of the base 110. Side portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 may extend from the central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages through two portions 130a, 130b of the opening 130 and to be at least partially positioned over the upper surface 112 of the side regions 113. In some embodiments, the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 are sized such that when the central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 is positioned under the arm 120, side edges of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 are disposed at least proximate to the side regions 115 of the base 110.

[0049] With the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 with a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 extending through the opening 130 and under the arm 120, the arm 120 restrains the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 and inhibits the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 from expanding when subjected to a negative pressure during sterilization. While some minor expansion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 may occur during sterilization, the restraint of the arm 120 is sufficient to prevent expansion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 to the point where the seal on the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 is compromised and breaks. Accordingly, the restraint provided by the arm 120 of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 results in the technical effect of ensuring the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 are properly sealed after sterilization and when provided to the user for application to a patient and/or medical instruments.

[0050] FIG. 2C illustrates multiple alcohol wipe package restraints 100, each restraining a plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 during sterilization in a sterilizing system 250. The sterilizing system 250 may be configured to apply a predetermined pressure and predetermined negative pressure to the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 during sterilization. For example, the sterilizing system 250 may include an EtO sterilization system. In some embodiments, the sterilizing system 250 may be configured to subject the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 to at least one vacuum cycle and a temperature increase. For example, the sterilizing system 250 may be configured to subject the plurality of alcohol wipe packages 200 to a pressure of about 50 Torr and a temperature of about 50 C.

[0051] In some embodiments of an alcohol wipe package restraint, the arm of the restraint is not fixed to both end regions of the alcohol wipe package restraint. Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 3A illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint 300a, according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise noted, the alcohol wipe package restraint 300a may include any aspect of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 described above. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 300a includes a base 310a defining an opening 330a and having a first end region 311a and a second region 313a. Unless otherwise noted, the base 310a, the opening 330a, the first end region 311a, and the second end region 313a may include any aspect of the base 110, the opening 130, the first end region 111, and the second end region 113 of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. The alcohol wipe package restraint 300a may be integrally formed.

[0052] The alcohol wipe package restraint 300a also includes an arm 320a. Unless otherwise noted, the arm 320a may include any aspect of the arm 120 of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. The arm 320a of the alcohol wipe package restraint 300a is fixedly secured to only the first end region 311a of the base 310a. While the arm 320a may extend at least partially over the upper surface of the second end region 313a, the arm 320a is disconnected or separate from the second end region 313a, according to an embodiment. Accordingly, the alcohol wipe package restraint 300a includes a slot 340 between the arm 320a and the second end region 313a. The arm 320a may be biased towards the second end region 313a. In some embodiments, the arm 320a interfaces the upper surface of the second end region 313a at the slot 340, but the arm 320a may be pulled slightly away from the second end region 313a to allow one or more alcohol wipe packages to be slid between the arm 320a and the second end region 313a. In some embodiments, the arm 320a is spaced from the upper surface of the second end region 313a at the slot 340 by about 1 mm to about 3 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm, about 2 mm to about 3 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2.5 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.5 cm, or less than about 1 mm.

[0053] The slot 340 may allow for easier securement of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 to the alcohol wipe package restraint 300a. For example, rather than inserting the one or more alcohol wipes through the first portion 130a of the opening 130, under the arm 120, and out the second portion 130b of the opening 130, the slot 340 allows one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 to be slid under the arm 320a to a positioning under the arm 320a similar to the positioning of the one or more wipe packages 200 shown in FIG. 2B. Even with the slot 340, the arm 320a retains the restraining properties described above in relation to the arm 120.

[0054] FIG. 3B illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint 300b, according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise noted, the alcohol wipe package restraint 300b may include any aspect of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 described above. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 300b includes a base 310b defining an opening 330b and having a first end region 311b and a second region 313b. Unless otherwise noted, the base 310b, the opening 330b, the first end region 311b, and the second end region 313b may include any aspect of the base 110, the opening 130, the first end region 111, and the second end region 113 of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. The alcohol wipe package restraint 300b may be integrally formed.

[0055] The alcohol wipe package restraint 300b also includes an arm 320b. Unless otherwise noted, the arm 320b may include any aspect of the arm 120 of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. The arm 320b of the alcohol wipe package restraint 300b is hingedly or pivotably coupled to only the first end region 311b of the base 310b at, for example, a living hinge 342. The arm 320b, then, may be movable between an open position shown in FIG. 3B and a closed position similar to the positioning of the arm 320a of the alcohol wipe package restraint 300a shown in FIG. 3A. The alcohol wipe package restraint 300b also may include a locking element 340b on the second end region 313b configured to selectively lock the arm 320b in the closed position. For example, the locking element 340b may include a tab that fits within a complementary slot or opening on the end of arm 320b to lock the arm 320b in the closed position.

[0056] The hinged arm 320b may allow for easier securement of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 to the alcohol wipe package restraint 300b. For example, rather than inserting the one or more alcohol wipes through the first portion 130a of the opening 130, under the arm 120, and out the second portion 130b of the opening 130, the hinged arm 320b allows one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 to be positioned over the opening 330b when the hinged arm 320b is in the open position. The hinged arm 320b may then be closed and locked over the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 to restrain the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 under the hinged arm 320b (similar to the positioning of the one or more wipe packages 200 shown in FIG. 2B). When locked in the closed position, the hinged arm 320b retains the restraining properties described above in relation to the arm 120.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint 400, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 400 comprises a sealable pouch. The sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraint 400 may be selectively sealable along one edge, or may be fixedly sealed along all edges of the sealable pouch. The sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraint 400 may include any materials and seals described above in relation to the alcohol wipe packages 200. The sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraint 400 is sized to hold one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 therein. For example, the sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraint 400 may be sized to hold 1 alcohol wipe package 200 to 10 alcohol wipe packages 200, 1 alcohol wipe package 200 to 5 alcohol wipe packages 200, or 1 alcohol wipe package 200 to 3 alcohol wipe packages 200. When sealed with one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 therein, the sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraint 400 is configured to restrain the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 and at least partially inhibit expansion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 during sterilization under a predetermined temperature and predetermined negative pressure.

[0058] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIGS. 6A-6H illustrate various views of an alcohol wipe package restraint 600, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 is generally rigid. The alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may include any materials described above in relation to the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may include a single, integrally formed alcohol wipe package restraint 600 having a uniform material throughout the alcohol wipe package restraint 600. The alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may be molded or printed three-dimensionally.

[0059] The alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may include a length of about 3 mm to about 6 mm and a width of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. The alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may include a first end region 601, a second end region 602 opposite to the first end region 601, and two panels 610 opposite one another and extending at least partially between the first end region 601 and the second end region 602. The two panels 610 may at least partially define an opening 625 at the first end region 601 and an interior region 630 extending from the opening 625 at the first end region 601 at least partially towards the second end region 602. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., both) of the two panels 610 includes a recess 612 that extends from the first end region 601 at least partially towards the second end region 602. The recess 612 may be semicircular and may be configured to allow a user to grip the alcohol wipe packages 200 positioned within the interior region 630 of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600.

[0060] The opening 625 may include a width W.sub.O2 of 4 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 6.5 cm, or about 6 cm to about 7 cm. In some embodiments, a height of the opening 625 tapers from approximately the center of the opening 625 towards the sides of the opening 625. This tapering of the opening 625 may assist in restraining the alcohol wipe packages 200 in the alcohol wipe package restraint 600. Accordingly, the opening 625 may include a maximum height H.sub.O2 at approximately the center of the opening 625. The maximum height H.sub.O2 may be about 3 mm to about 10 mm, about 3 mm to about 5 mm, about 4 mm to about 6 mm, about 5 mm to about 7 mm, about 6 mm to about 8 mm, about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm. The height H.sub.O2 of the opening 625 proximate to the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may be about 50% to about 75% of the maximum height H.sub.O2 of the opening 625.

[0061] In some embodiments, the two panels 610 angle at least partially towards one another from the first end region 601 to the second end region 602. In these and other embodiments, the height of the interior region 630 may taper or decrease at least partially from the opening 625 to the second end region 602. For example, at the first end region 601, the interior region 630 may include any of the heights of the opening 625 provided above. The height of the interior region 630 proximate to the second end region 602 may be less than the height of the interior region 630 at the first end region 601. For example, the height of the interior region 630 proximate to the second end region 602 may be about 50% to about 75% of the height of the interior region 630 at the first end region 601. This tapering of the interior region 630 may assist in restraining the alcohol wipe packages 200 in the alcohol wipe package restraint 600. In some embodiments, the interior region 630 includes a substantially uniform height from the opening 625 at the first end region 601 to the second end region 602.

[0062] In some embodiments, the interior region 630 is closed at the second end region 602 of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600. For example, the alcohol wipe package restraint may include an end wall 618 at the second end region that closes the interior region 630 at the second end region 602. In some embodiments (not shown), the interior region 630 may include an opening at the second end region 602. The opening at the second end region 602 may be smaller than the opening 625 at the first end region 601. For example, the opening at the second end region 602 may be about 50% to about 75% of the heights and/or widths provided above in relation to the opening 625 at the first end region 601.

[0063] In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 includes two sidewalls 614 opposing one another. The two sidewalls 614 may extend between the two panels 610, and/or may extend at least partially between the first end region 601 and the second end region 602. In embodiments having the two panels 610 angle at least partially towards one another from the first end region 601 at least partially towards the second end region 602, the two sidewalls 614 may taper from the first end region at least partially towards the second end region 602. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may include a tab 616 extending outward away from the opening 625 at the first end region of each sidewall of the two sidewalls 614.

[0064] As provided above, in some embodiments, the height of the opening 625 and/or the interior region 630 may decrease from the center of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 towards the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600. In some embodiments, the two panels 610 may angle, slope, or curve from the center of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 to the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 such that the sidewalls 614 are substantially absent from the alcohol wipe package restraint 600. In embodiments where the sidewalls are substantially absent from the alcohol wipe package restraint 600, the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may still include tabs 616 extending from the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 at the first end region 601.

[0065] The interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 is configured to secure one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 at least partially therein. In some embodiments, the interior region 630 is sized such that substantially all of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 may be positioned within the interior region 630. In some embodiments, the interior region 630 is sized such that at least about 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 70%, about 60% to about 80%, about 70% to about 90% or about 80% to about 100% of each alcohol wipe package of the one or more alcohol wipe packages 200 is positionable within the interior region 630.

[0066] Turning back in the drawings, FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 of sterilizing a plurality of alcohol wipe packages, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the method includes an act 505 of providing an alcohol wipe package restraint. The method 500 may include use of any of the alcohol wipe package restraints described herein. The method 500 may include an act 510 of securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint. The one or more alcohol wipe packages may include any of the alcohol wipe packages described herein, such as an alcohol wipe package comprising a polyester film material and including one or more alcohol wipes sealed therein. The method 500 may include an act 515 of positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in a sterilizing apparatus. The method 500 may include an act 520 of sterilizing the one or more alcohol wipe packages while secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in the sterilizing apparatus at a predetermined negative pressure and a predetermined temperature. During the act 520, the alcohol wipe package restraint at least partially inhibits the one or more alcohol wipe packages from expanding during sterilization.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method 500 includes use of the alcohol wipe package restraint 100. In these and other embodiments, the act 505 may include providing an alcohol wipe package restraint comprising a base defining an opening and an arm extending across the opening. The base may include a first end region, a second end region opposite to the first end region, and two opposing side regions extending between the first end region and the second end region, and the opening being disposed between first end region, the second end region, and the two opposing side regions. The alcohol wipe package may be secured to the first end region and extend over the opening from the first end region to the second end region between the two opposing side regions.

[0068] In embodiments of the method 500 utilizing the alcohol wipe package restraint 100, the act 510 may include securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint with the one or more alcohol wipe packages restrained under the arm and extending at least partially across the opening. More particularly, the act 510 may include securing the one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint with a central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages restrained under the arm and side portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packages positioned proximate the two opposing side regions of the base, with the one or more alcohol wipe packages extending at least partially across the opening. In some embodiments, the act 510 includes securing the one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe restraint with the central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages positioned at least partially in the opening under the arm and the side portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packages positioned over the two opposing regions of the base.

[0069] In embodiments of the method 500 utilizing the alcohol wipe package restraint 100, the act 520 may include sterilizing the one or more alcohol wipe packages while secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in the sterilizing apparatus at a predetermined negative pressure and a predetermined temperature with the arm of the alcohol wipe package restraint at least partially inhibiting the one or more alcohol wipe packages from expanding during sterilization.

[0070] In some embodiments of the method 500, the alcohol wipe package restraint 100 may be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the act 510 may include sliding a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages under the arm and through a portion of the opening.

[0071] In some embodiments of the method 500, the alcohol wipe package restraint 300a may be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the act 510 may include securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint includes sliding a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages between the second end region and the arm to position the one or more alcohol wipe packages under the arm and extending at least partially across the opening.

[0072] In some embodiments of the method 500, the alcohol wipe package restraint 300b may be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the act 510 of securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint may include opening the arm such that the arm is spaced from the second end region, positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages to extend across the opening of the base, and closing the arm and securing the arm to the second end region with the one or more alcohol wipe packages under the arm.

[0073] In some embodiments of the method 500, the alcohol wipe package restraint 400 may be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the act 505 may include providing an alcohol wipe package restraint comprising a sealable pouch. The act 510 may include securing the one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint by positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages in the pouch and sealing the pouch.

[0074] In some embodiments of the method 500, the alcohol wipe package restraint 600 may be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the act 505 may include providing an alcohol wipe package restraint that is generally rigid and comprises a first end region, a second end region opposite to the first end region, and two panels opposite one another and extending at least partially between the first end region and the second end region, the two panels at least partially defining an opening at the first end region of the alcohol wipe package restraint and an interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint extending from the opening at the first end region towards the second end region. The act 510 may include positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages within the interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint such that at least 50% of each alcohol wipe package of the one or more alcohol wipe packages is positioned within the interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint.

[0075] Acts of the method 500 are for illustrative purposes. For example, the acts of the method 500 may be performed in different orders, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, or combined. Any of the acts may include using any of the catheter deliver devices disclosed herein.

[0076] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. Moreover, only a portion of a method described herein may be a separate method. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps described in a more detailed method.

[0077] Reference throughout this specification to an embodiment or the embodiment means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0078] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.

[0079] Recitation in the claims of the term first with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of this disclosure.